History of Hearable Technology

The term hearables is still being shaped because while some do exist in the market place, we are far from saturation. Thus, to some people hearables may just be wireless earbuds with advanced features, but to others it may be more akin to a hearing aid.

A hearable is a wireless in-ear computational earpiece. Essentially you have a micro computer that fits in your ear canal and utilizes wireless technology to supplement and enhance your listening experience. Many hearables will also feature additional features such as heart rate monitoring (see below for a full list).

Fast forward to today and there are two important movements currently happening that are both converging on one another.

First, hearing aid companies are beginning to recognize that users want a device that does more than correct and amplify sound. They want to be able to sync seamlessly with wireless devices such as their smartphone, for telephone calls, music, games, and more.

Second, commercial electronics companies (more specifically headphone manufacturers) are realizing the potential of “bionics,” or creating in-ear buds that measure biometrics, output great quality sounding music, and (this is the newest part) have the potential to amplify sound.

I believe both groups will eventually converge, but it’s really a matter of who will get there first. In my opinion, The Big 6 have the biggest advantage because they have been dealing with this technology for decades, and already have the required approval from the FDA to label their devices as actual hearing aids (something most consumer electronics companies can’t do by law).

Features and Benefits of Hearable Technology

Many companies are still trying to figure out the niche role their hearable product will play in the marketplace.

Some more traditional headphone companies are caught up in the same race most wearables are: biometrics. While hearing aid companies seem to be ensuring their already functioning technology syncs perfectly with your smartphone for even more user control.

Either way, there are a ton of benefits, but we’ll do our best to list and explain most of them below.

Activity tracking. This could range from a pedometer to improved caloric output based on movements, and more.

Biometric personal identification. NEC recently announced a technology that utilizes sound waves to acoustically recognize and identify a person (i.e. the owner of the hearing device) based on the size and shape of their ear.

Invisibility. While the stigma of wearing hearing aids is decreasing (which is a really good thing) manufacturers are still striving to create technology that is as unobtrusive as possible.

Improved sound quality. A large part of sound quality has very little to do with the sound output from your device, and more to do with sound filtering. Combined headphone and hearing aid technologies may allow for this.

Augmented hearing. Companies like Doppler Labs are working on technology that will not only aid hearing, but also improve it above normal levels, though admittedly this kind of tech could still be years away.

Face-to-face communication. Lots of times people with hearing loss are discouraged from interaction. But as hearables start to erase the stigma of wearing an in-ear device this will hopefully go away completely.

Translation. Can a hearable perform live translation of a foreign language to your native language? The Pilot is going to try.

Layered listening. Think of this as augmented reality for the ears. This technology would allow users to filter out or enhance specific sounds. We heard rumors at CES 2017 that Bragi would be adding features like this to The Dash.

As we’ve mentioned a couple times above, one of our favorite benefits is actually related to perception of ear enhancing devices currently on the market. The advent of hearables is likely to help reduce the stigma of hearing aids and thus help people prevent and improve hearing loss much earlier in life.

Hearables Currently on the Market

Below you will find 3 separate lists of pre-existing devices that are adding new technology to transform them into true hearables:

Hearing Aids

Personal Sound Amplifers (PSAPs)

Headphones or Earbuds

We update each list on a bi-monthly basis. Some on the list aren’t currently available, or may still be in a funding or design stage which you’ll see noted in the availability column.

(Note: If for any reason we have left off a pair be sure to contact us or let us know in the comments!)

Best Hearing Aids with Built-in Hearable Tech

The devices below are classified as hearing aids by the FDA, with the primary purpose of improving hearing loss. In addition, these hearing aids are also wireless and maintain the ability to sync with smartphones to allow the user more precise control.

While the FDA currently classifies these devices for non-hearing impaired individuals, many people with hearing impairments do experiment with these devices (typically because they are significantly cheaper). Also, as of October 2015 the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) has been looking into ways to allow PSAPs to be marketed to those with hearing loss and to create a new category of “basic” hearing aids meant for sale over-the-counter (OTC).

With that said, it is recommended to consult an Audiologist prior to purchasing a PSAP.

Just to reinforce what we’ve said above, while these devices are pretty neat, they are not meant to be solutions to hearing loss (that’s what hearing aids are for).

Best Headphones with Hearable Tech

Many popular headphone companies are utilizing current wireless technology to enhance your listening experience, while also adding additional benefits like biometrics. Check out the features column below to see exactly what each device does.

While a lot of these headphones look pretty incredible, we’re most excited to see what the rumors from Apple and Samsung end up turning into.

Because the list of headphones with “smart” technology is growing, we’ve had to split the table into two separate lists:

Hearable Companies to Watch

In addition to the hearables mentioned above, other companies are out there working on wireless hearing technology that has the potential to revolutionize the hearing market.

Heart Math. According to Heart Math you can “…improve well-being, vitality, clarity of thought, access to your heart’s intuition, and a more balanced response to stress,” via their inner balance sensor.

Zen Sensor. The Zen Sensor clips to your ear and then sends your heart information to your smart device (i.e. iPhone, iPad). The purpose is to understand current information about your heart that can lead you down a path to improve stress.

Valencell. Valencell is one of the leading companies with a patented heart rate monitoring technology. This tech can be found above in the Jabra Sport Plus, LG HRM Earphones, SMS Audio Biosport, and Sony Smart B-Trainer, as well as many other wearable devices.

BitBite. The BitBit utilizes an everyday headset to monitor audio waves while eating and then records what, where, when, and how you eat. This data can then be used to improve nutrition.

Human, Inc. This startup recently raised $5M for a product that for the most part, is a secret. They have alluded to a feature that may “break language barriers” and create “personal surround sound.” Check out the image below of these somewhat sci-fi stylized hearables.

Important Patents

One of the best ways to gauge the status of the current hearable market is to analyze the patent war that every tech company is always waging.

As of writing this we’ve probably read through just over 100 patents discussing the potential of hearable devices. For now though we just want to highlight some of our favorites from companies we believe will be the major players.

In addition, Hearing Health Matters also compiles a monthly (sometimes it is quarterly) list of hearing related patents. We’ll try to keep an updated link to them here: full patent list.

Update 4/30/16: Apple has officially filed a petition to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to remove telecoils from future iPhones. If approved, it essentially allows Apple to include proprietary technology in their iPhones (which may or may not function with other wireless hearing aids). This has become a rather sensitive subject in the world of Audiology, so much so that several Audiologists have created a petition against Apple’s petition.

Update 6/13/16: Apple’s patent for a headset that utilizes bone conduction to improve speech recognition and hearing in the presence of ambient noise, has been approved. We do not know yet how Apple intends to use this device, or what other features it may include.

Update 12/13/16: Probably the biggest news of 2016 was Apple removing the 3.5 mm jack and releasing their Air Pods. Unfortunately, they don’t really do much…yet. We’ll be keeping on eye on them combined with some of the above Apple patents to see if Apple can potentially revolutionize the market in the future.

Update 4/20/17: Will Apple’s Air Pods be measuring your vitals soon? Check out the video below to see how Air Pods may be Apple’s largest foray into healthcare yet.

Update 6/5/18: As part of Apple’s iOS 12 software upgrade, AirPods will now have access to the ‘Live Listen’ feature, something that was previously reserved only for Made for iPhone hearing aids. Watch the video below for a quick explanation.

Samsung

Filed in early 2014, Samsung’s “Hybrid Hearing Devices” patent would allow users to use their Samsung device as a controller for amplifying sounds via air conduction or bone conduction.

More recently A New Domain discovered FCC documents and images to suggest Samsung is working on a hearable called the “Earcle” and possibly even a hearing aid.

Oticon

Oticon is potentially increasing functionality of hearing aid devices with their patent “Sound Simulator for Memory Enhancement.” This would allow an in-ear device to monitor brain waves in order to generate a better output sound.

For a complete list of patents you can check this list which is updated quarterly.

Future of Hearables

Even though many dubbed 2015 as the “year of the hearable” we’re still in its infancy according to WiFore. Just check out this market prediction graph by Nick Hunn.

The above chart shows a segment by segment breakdown for “smart wearables,” and as you can see, hearables are on the rise.

In addition to the above, one hearable that we’ve heard very little about, but are super excited for is the Bose Hearphones. This is what the Bose website says about them:

Directional microphones help you focus on conversations in noisy places.

Focus, amplify or reduce real-world sounds to the level you want.

Active Noise Reduction improves the listening comfort of conversations and takes the edge off the background noise.

Use with the Bose® Hear app to customize the sound for the best experience.

The short answer is that we’re able to compare features on hearing aids because one of our team members is an Audiologist.

I know that really doesn’t answer your question, but ultimately it’s not feasible for consumers to compare features across every hearing aid. This is why Audiologists exist, and why they go to school for 8 years.

However, even if it was possible to compare features across all hearing aids, this would only be part of the equation. Once you understand the feature you know have to compare the feature to the patient’s specific hearing condition, and living condition. To do this you would have to have in depth knowledge about how the ear functions.

Again, I know you’re not going to be happy with that answer, but really it comes down to finding a good Audiologist and trusting them to make the best decision for their patient, just like you would with any other doctor.

If you were in school for 15 yrs you should understand the costs associated with hearing aids. The main cost comes from the R&D involved. It typically takes 10 yrs from idea to market. Technology developed from hearing aids makes it way to stereos, headphones, noise reduction technology and even cell phones. Although the cost of hearing aids can be high for some people, equated to a daily cost, it’s minimal to slow down the progression of depression, heart disease, social isoloation, alzheimers and dementia. And sir, your group of students is not individual attention, sometimes for hours on end with patients who struggle with other health conditions. We navigate social issues, elder care, hospice, senility, cancer, maritial issues etc… do you?

The Bragi Dash doesn’t. The blue tooth connection usually has a lag, which makes the hearables useless as hearing aids. Furthermore, the devices, like the Dash, have max volumes that are on the low side even for people with full hearing. The excitement here is really unwarranted, and unresearched.

The future of hearables and PSAPs is going to be interesting. It will be crazy to see if hearing aid manufactures shift some of their focus away from hearing aid dispensers and audiologist and to direct to consumer products. Thanks for this interesting article on them.

Completely agree, Jonathan. It’s going to be very interesting to see how consumer oriented hearables (i.e. PSAPs, smart headphones) will affect the hearing aid market. When you insert VR and other immersive experiences, I think things will definitely change, and hopefully for the best.

Sound enhancing devices are inexpensive to make. The “audiology providers” apply excessive markups that make the devices very expensive. Chaucer nailed it in his Canterbury Tales: “Avarice is the root of all evil.” The largest market is the elderly population who seldom are capable of investigating the device choice, providers, and pricing. This is why the Medicare Supplement Insurance carriers do not cover these necessary devices and services.

Think twice before you imply that “audiology providers” are guilty of “avarice”. Current hearing aid pricing includes the unlimited services of the dispensing audiologist during the hearing aid warranty. These services consist of follow-up appointments to carefully monitor or instruct those in the elderly population who have limited knowledge of electronics and often have dexterity issues that challenge them. Medicare considers hearing aids a “durable medical device”, like glasses and therefore does not cover them.

Thank you Flora. There are so many people that are misinformed. I often tell my patients that each time a hearing aid is returned, it raises the cost for those after them as the MEDICAL devices can not be resold. – signed an AuD and audiologist for 22 yrs.

I’m in the process of upgrading my hearing aids.
What I’m interested in seeing is a hearing aid with dual microphones and ear piece but no computer processor. The computer processor would be in a device like a smart phone that you carry with you and the audio signals are sent and received wireless to the hearing aids. This allows a much higher signal processing speed and memory for sophisticated algorithms that currently exist but can’t be used by current hearing aid’s slow clock speed processors and their low memory size.

I am hearing impaired, a sociologist and have worked in public health for 25 years. Many people who wear aids are older (I have yet to find valid, reliable and evidence based numbers on demographics—even from the CDC), but Dr. Frank Lin’s research suggests this) and live with sensory impairment–visual as well as tactile. E.g., aids slip out of their hands, are easily lost. This should be considered when designing aids. Health literacy—plain language, large print, communication vehicle– should also be considered in the education materials given with aids; cost is also a huge factor. It’s frustrating to me that these demographic realities are not considered in designing aids. Hearables will only work if they are.

Hi Ann
Yes, I agree. It is important to take these considerations into account when designing and recommending hearing devices. There are some hearing aids that are designed better with these things in mind, but it’s also important that the audiologist is recommending an appropriate device that takes these things into consideration.

I am a 76 year old guy with a hearing loss; that attends a lot of movies in big multi-screen theaters. Often-times I cannot hear low voice conversations or whispers. Have used the devices that Movie Theaters provide; with varying degrees of success – – mostly, not very good.

Where can I find a self-contained, light-weight, wireless, assisted listening device that will more than serve my needs; and make my movie experience more enjoyable?

Do you have any experience or recommendations for SSD, single sided deafness?
I have fully normal hearing in one ear and 100% non correctable deafness in the other. Having been tested many times over 60 years, I am 66, there has been no change, I have no further use for an audiologist. I need receivers, and amplifiers, and control over my environment. I am looking for the best PSAP that will direct the sound to my one good ear, ideally with a remote, body worn receiver that I could position as needed. I am looking for recommendations and other helpful experience or information, I have tried and been unhappy with the CROS technology, do not wish to wear a BAHA. Thanks, Lois

Out of curiosity what aspect of the CROS system where you unhappy with? If it was to do with the sound quality it’s unlikely that some form of PSAP would be any better. You do mention that you are looking for a remote microphone system, a device you can place on you or in your environment to direct sound to your good ear. This is something that can now be paired with most modern hearing aids. You may want to consider the CROS system again in addition to a remote microphone. Here’s an example of a remote microphone product

Thanks for the article. Is there any particular reason you are not updating to include Bose HearPhones in the PSAP market now they are several months into a soft-release starting early 2017. I’m in Australia and having my son who lives in Ca send them from the Palo Alto outlet. (only available in 7 outlets). I’m a hearing aid wearer of about 15 yrs with mild to moderate loss primarily in upper registers. I’ve use Bose speakers for decades because they are “bright” and am very excited about this development. Can you do a review or include comments in this thread with a note to my email. Thanks in anticipation.

Have you guys checked Mimi? They apparently do Sound Personalization based on a medically certified hearing test app?! Could be interesting to review that and combine it into a hearables market research etc.

This is a great place to catch up on the Hearing Tech. Nice Work, Team !!

I Chair an IEEE working group (P2650) that is creating an IEEE Standard for utilising Consumer Grade Tech that can be used as a PRE-SCREENING TOOL for Hearing Impairment(s). In fact, we did have a conversation with PCAST around the time of the 2015 news release for PSAP products.

By PRE-SCREENING, we essentially fill in the gap between MEDICAL GRADE AUDIOMETRY and NON-AVAILABILITY OF Audiological experts in under-served areas.

It would be good to HEAR from other entities that are keen to participate in drafting this standard

I have been using the new Bose HearPhones for about 18 months now. They are excellent. Fine audio control with very good sound quality. For the price, they are simply unbeatable. Granted, they are not invisible. That’s OK for now. I suspect that will improve going forward. What a wonderful sonic experience though. I encourage folks to try them. You won’t be disappointed.

Wow! It’s an impressing list of all valuable information concerning those of us with hearing impairment as well as anyone else who want’s to be up to date with the latest trends and get a glimpse into the future.
Since I’m hard on hearing, I’m very interested in the latest products in that field.
Here’s another interesting article focused on the future of Audiology: http://www.hearlink.com.au/industry-news/hearing-aid-technology-gets-upgraded-2018/

I’m looking for some affordable personal hearing amplifiers with directional front-facing stereo mics ( so I can hear a movie and not coughing and eating to the sides, and behind me ) and stereo earphones, so I could take them to a movie and be able to hear the speech better, in the movies, with stereo sound throughout?

IQbuds Boost by Nuheara. Same as original IQbuds but offer more personalization and they have a “Focus” directional hearing feature. With their augmented hearing functions and audio quality for phone calls and music, I think they would do everything your looking for. Expensive for wireless earbuds though (but not so much of you view them as effectively being non-prescription hearing aids)

Great article, unfortunatley the ONLY hearing aid that provides DIRECT connectivity to Android AND iOS phones (actually, to ANY Bluetooth device – not only phones) is missing on your list: Phonak Audeo B-Direct.
Thanks for considering!